Free Golf Handicap Calculator (WHS)

Calculate your official World Handicap System index instantly. UK's most accurate WHS handicap calculator with course rating and slope rating support.

Official World Handicap System Calculator - Free & Accurate

Our golf handicap calculator follows the exact World Handicap System (WHS) rules implemented by R&A and USGA. Calculate your handicap index using up to 20 scores with automatic score differential calculations, course rating adjustments, and slope rating considerations.

WHS Compliant Algorithm
Course & Slope Rating Support
Free - No Registration Required

Add New Score

Enter your round details to update your handicap calculation

Score History

Your recent rounds (0/20 scores)

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Add at least 3 scores to calculate your handicap.

How the World Handicap System (WHS) Calculator Works

The World Handicap System (WHS) revolutionized golf handicapping in 2020, creating a unified global standard adopted by golf governing bodies worldwide, including the R&A, USGA, Golf Australia, and European Golf Association (EGA). Our free golf handicap calculator implements the exact WHS algorithm used by official handicap services, ensuring accuracy and compliance with international standards.

WHS Score Requirements & Rules

Minimum Score Requirements:

  • Initial handicap: Minimum 3 acceptable scores required
  • Established handicap: Uses most recent 20 scores when available
  • 18-hole equivalent: All scores must be adjusted gross scores
  • Playing conditions: Scores should follow WHS adjustments
  • Regular updates: Handicap recalculated after each new score

WHS Calculation Method:

  • Score Differential Formula: (Adjusted Score - Course Rating) × 113 ÷ Slope Rating
  • 3-5 scores: Average of 1 lowest differential
  • 6-8 scores: Average of 2 lowest differentials
  • 9-11 scores: Average of 3 lowest differentials
  • 12-20 scores: Progressive scale up to 8 lowest differentials

Understanding Your Handicap Index: What Your Number Really Means

Your handicap index is more than just a number—it's a measure of your potential scoring ability that allows golfers of different skill levels to compete fairly. Understanding what your handicap means can help you set realistic goals and track meaningful improvement in your game.

Handicap Ranges and What They Mean

Low Handicap (0-10)

Skilled players who consistently break 80. These golfers have solid fundamentals and course management skills.

  • • Scratch to single digits
  • • Consistent ball striking
  • • Good short game
  • • Strong mental game

Mid Handicap (11-20)

Recreational golfers who occasionally break 90. Room for improvement in all areas with some consistent strengths.

  • • Shoot 85-95 typically
  • • Inconsistent ball striking
  • • Developing course management
  • • Working on fundamentals

High Handicap (21+)

Beginners and casual players focusing on breaking 100. Lots of opportunity for rapid improvement.

  • • Learning fundamentals
  • • Focus on consistency
  • • Goal to break 100
  • • Building confidence